Total vs. Partial Knee Replacement

If you experience chronic knee pain from arthritis or wear and tear to the knee joint, knee replacement may be an excellent option to restore a pain-free life. Knee replacement has become extremely common, with approximately 790,000 procedures performed each year, and it consistently delivers exceptional patient outcomes. The surgical procedure removes damaged portions of your knee joint and replaces it with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic.

If you’re considering knee replacement, there are two options:

• Total knee replacement
• Partial knee replacement

Both procedures have similar clinical outcomes, with approximately 90% of patients experiencing pain relief and retaining implant function after ten years. However, these procedures have fundamental differences, and the right option for you will depend on your specific condition. When you meet with our knee replacement surgeons, they will thoroughly evaluate your knee and recommend the procedure to deliver the best possible results.

The following overview will help you understand the difference between these procedures.

What Is the Difference Between Total and Partial Knee Replacement?

Both total and partial knee replacement involves replacing your damaged knee joint with an artificial implant, but the scope of the procedure differs significantly:

• Total Knee Replacement – In this procedure, all three areas of your knee joint – the inside, outside, and under the kneecap – are replaced with an artificial implant. This is the most common type of knee replacement.
• Partial Knee Replacement – Only the damaged portions of your knee joint are replaced with an artificial implant. This less invasive procedure leaves more of your natural knee structure intact.

Pros and Cons of Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement offers several advantages, including:

• Ability to treat more extensive knee damage impacting multiple regions of the knee joint
• Lower long-term revision rates
• Significant reduction in knee pain
• Improved range of motion and function of the knee joint

However, total knee replacement is a more invasive surgery with a larger incision. This results in the following drawbacks:

• Possibility of a more extended hospital stay and recovery time
• While rare, the risk of complications is more significant than with partial knee replacement

Pros and Cons of Partial Knee Replacement

There are also advantages and drawbacks to partial knee replacement surgery. Partial knee replacement is a less invasive procedure with a smaller incision. This results in a variety of benefits, including:

• Shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery time
• Lower risk of complications
• Preserves more of the natural knee joint
• Better overall range of motion

However, partial knee replacement is a more technically demanding procedure, and you must work with an experienced knee replacement specialist who has performed this technique numerous times. Other drawbacks include:

• Only suitable for patients with damage in one region of the knee
• Higher revision surgery rate compared with total knee replacement

Recovery Time for Total vs. Partial Knee Replacement

One of the primary differences in these procedures involves the length of recovery time. Partial knee replacement is a less invasive procedure, and as a result, it has a shorter recovery time. The recovery time for partial knee replacement is 3-4 weeks, while recovery after total knee replacement usually takes 2-3 months.

In addition to the total recovery time, there are other differences in specific aspects of the recovery process:

Estimated Return to Daily Activities

• Partial Knee Replacement – Patients can usually resume most daily activities after 3-4 weeks
• Total Knee Replacement – Patients can usually resume daily activities in about 8 weeks

Hospital Stay

• Partial Knee Replacement – The procedure is generally performed on an outpatient basis, and patients return home on the day of surgery
• Total Knee Replacement – Patients generally stay over night in the hospital before returning home

Pain and Discomfort

• Partial Knee Replacement – Post-operative pain is generally manageable since the procedure is less invasive
• Total Knee Replacement – Initial post-operative pain may be more noticeable yet, still manageable, but this pain will usually subside early in the healing process

Ideal Candidates for Total vs. Partial Knee Replacement

An experienced knee replacement specialist such as CAO’s Dr. Borchard should determine the right option for you. However, the following general criteria will help you understand which procedures may be right for you.

Total knee replacement candidates:

• Have arthritis impacting multiple regions of the knee joint
• Have severe deformity or ligament instability that can’t be corrected with partial knee replacement
• Are generally over the age of 55
• Have not experienced significant pain reduction and improved function with conservative treatments such as medication, injections, bracing, or physical therapy

Partial knee replacement candidates:

• Have arthritis that is limited to only one region of the knee joint
• Have only minor deformity or ligament instability
• Are younger, more active individuals who would like to preserve more of their natural knee structure

Raising the Bar for Knee Replacement on the Western Slope

If you have chronic knee pain and are considering knee replacement, Colorado Advanced Orthopedics can help. Our team includes some of the area’s most highly experienced, board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons. In addition, we use the most advanced technology for all knee replacement procedures, including the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System, which provides greater precision in implant placement and a more personalized surgical experience. Our surgical team’s skill and commitment to using the best technology has earned CAO a reputation as the premier orthopedic surgery clinic on the Western Slope.

Dr. Kevin Borchard is our knee replacement specialist. He’s performed over 1,000 knee replacement surgeries using the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System. Dr. Borchard has extensive experience with both total and partial knee replacement procedures, and he’ll recommend the best option for your specific situation after conducting a detailed diagnostic evaluation of your knee joint. When you work with Dr. Borchard, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re in good hands, as he consistently delivers exceptional surgical outcomes that exceed industry standards in various metrics.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Colorado Advanced Orthopedics serves patients in Meeker, the White River Valley, and the Western Slope.